Dachshund's Health Insurance

Dachshunds are instantly recognisable as a long-bodied dog breed with short legs. They were originally bred to chase out animal such as badgers and they have a good sense of smell.

There are six distinct types of dachshund breeds recognised by the UK Kennel Club: smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired which are each found in standard and miniature breeds. The Kennel Club classifies them in the Hound Group of breeds.

Dachshunds are very playful dogs that enjoying chasing other smaller animals. They are very loyal and loving to their owners, although they are known for being stubborn. This stubbornness is actually a result of the independent natures they developed in order to use their initiative when they were working in the hunting field. This can make them less easy to train than other, more biddable, breeds.

In terms of health problems, the main issues for this breed come as a result of their long bodies. This can make them prone to suffering from spinal problems such as Intervertebral Disc Disease. This causes pain in their discs which is also the result of having a small rib cage and can cause much discomfort. Both surgical and non-surgical treatment is available to help reduce the inflammation of the discs. Due to their long spines it is also not good for them to have an intensive exercise programme or to become overweight.

Genetic problems linked to this breed include: epilepsy, thyroid problems and allergies as well as a number of eye problems such as cataracts and corneal problems. These can all be treated through medication but in some cases they can result in loss of vision. Making sure that your dog comes from a recognised and authorised breeder is one way to guard against acquiring an unhealthy dog.